by identifying with

USAGE SUMMARY

"by identifying with" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a prepositional phrase that means to empathize or relate to someone or something. Example: By identifying with her struggles, I was able to better understand her perspective.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

By identifying with it, a person might gain insight into himself.

The New York Times

He entered into the lives of countless thousands by identifying with their sufferings in union with Christ.

The New York Times

He finds it hard to forgive Tony Benn, who nearly wrecked his party by identifying with the left sectarians and refusing to conciliate.

The Guardian - Books

He knows that he is a living symbol and that by identifying with this man he is making the church itself grow more human.

The Guardian - Opinion

We envy their ability to get away with their desires and our own darkest and most sadistic impulses, which we ritually disavow by identifying with their prey.

The New York Times - Arts

Psychologists have long suspected that many die-hard fans are lonely, alienated people searching for self-esteem by identifying with a sports team.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Clinically, it would also provide inclusion/exclusion criteria by identifying subjects with desired graft distributions, assisting with interpretation of trial failure or success.

Nature

Change begins with understanding and understanding begins by identifying oneself with another person: in a word, empathy.

The Guardian

Patristic and medieval Christian theologians adopted but transformed philosophical eudaimonism by identifying happiness with post-mortem bliss: the beatific vision, or union with God.

Huffington Post

By identifying themselves with the protagonists' dreams and problems the viewer establishes an immediate connection with them.

The New York Times

"I can help by identifying schools with similar needs and offering targeted support.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by identifying with", ensure the subject clearly demonstrates an understanding or connection that influences their actions or perspectives.

Common error

Don't use "by identifying with" without clearly explaining the nature of the identification or its relevance to the overall context. For example, avoid saying "By identifying with the past, progress is made" without specifying what aspects of the past are being identified with and how this leads to progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by identifying with" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a clause that explains how a particular action or understanding is achieved. Ludwig's examples illustrate this function in diverse contexts, indicating its versatility in conveying methods of understanding and connection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by identifying with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively illustrates a causal relationship between understanding or relating to something and a specific outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility allows for use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. To ensure clarity, avoid vague connections and always specify the nature and relevance of the identification. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively leverage "by identifying with" to convey empathy, insight, and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by relating to

Uses "relating" instead of "identifying", suggesting a connection or association.

via connecting with

Emphasizes the act of establishing a bond or link.

through empathizing with

Replaces "identifying" with "empathizing", emphasizing emotional understanding.

in sympathizing with

Focuses on sharing the feelings of another person.

by understanding

Highlights comprehension and insight.

by finding common ground with

Emphasizes shared interests or beliefs.

by associating oneself with

More formal and emphasizes a deliberate connection.

in recognizing oneself in

Highlights the act of seeing oneself in someone or something else.

through experiencing solidarity with

Focuses on feelings of unity or agreement.

through building rapport with

Stresses creating a harmonious relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "by identifying with" in a sentence?

Use "by identifying with" to show how relating to something leads to a certain outcome. For example, "By identifying with the struggles of immigrants, you can better understand their needs".

What are some alternatives to "by identifying with"?

You can use alternatives like "by relating to", "through empathizing with", or "via connecting with" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "by identifying with" and "by sympathizing with"?

"By identifying with" implies understanding or relating to someone's experiences, while "by sympathizing with" means sharing their feelings or offering compassion. Identification involves recognition and connection, while sympathy involves feeling pity or sorrow.

When is it appropriate to use "by identifying with"?

It's appropriate when you want to show how understanding or relating to someone or something helps in achieving a specific goal, gaining insight, or fostering empathy.